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DTNA sr. v.p. of sales and marketing, Mark Lampert, announced he is retiring in April.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Mark Lampert, Daimler Trucks North America’s popular senior vice-president of sales and marketing and former vice-president of Freightliner Canada, announced he will retire in April.

Lampert joined Daimler in 1993, serving as the vice-president of sales for Freightliner Canada. Since then, he has steadily climbed the ranks through the organization. In recent years, he was responsible for the development of sales and marketing for Freightliner Trucks, the Detroit brand of on-highway engines, axles and transmissions and the company’s proprietary components sales. He also oversaw the company’s used truck operations and its export sales.

Lampert announced he’s stepping down Apr. 1, to spend more time with his family. He’ll be replaced by Richard Howard, who is a member of the Board of Management for Daimler Financial Services, responsible for Africa and the Asia/Pacific region.

“I am extremely grateful to have spent over 20 years with this great company, and I am deeply honoured to have had the opportunity to lead Freightliner to its present position as undisputed market leader across each and every commercial vehicle segment,” said Lampert. “Working for Daimler Trucks North America has been a blessing and a privilege; however, I am resolute that 2014 is the right time for me to retire for a variety of reasons. First, the company’s future sales success is assured through a robust product pipeline, as well as the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution – the industry’s flagship in terms of total cost of ownership. Second, I look forward to spending more time with my wife, children and grandchildren. And lastly, the company has identified an excellent successor, Richard Howard, who is capable of executing the company’s sales and marketing vision well into the future.”

Martin Daum, president and CEO of DTNA, had this to say about Lampert’s retirement: “Daimler Trucks North America owes a huge debt of gratitude for Mark’s unwavering commitment to sales and marketing excellence. His goal of achieving undisputed market leadership is unquestioned as he leaves the company’s sales and marketing team positioned for continued prosperity. Mark’s retirement is well-earned and his career will be unmatched in our industry. We will always consider him a valued member of the Daimler Trucks North America family and wish him the best for his retirement.”

Lampert, because of his time spent in Canada and his genuine interest in the Canadian market, was extremely popular here. Dan Einwechter, president of Challenger Motor Freight, said Lampert will definitely be missed.

“When I first met him, I thought he was a great guy but I thought here was just another American coming into Canada to do his stint as part of his corporate journey,” Einwechter told Trucknews.com. “But he surprised many of us, because he really became involved in the industry and got to know the Canadian marketplace extremely well. He had a commitment to making sure the Canadian customers were well taken care of and he became friends to many of us.”

Einwechter added Lampert “had an uncanny ability to match (DTNA’s) corporate needs with the clients’ needs. He was a true gentleman all the time. He was very direct and to the point, but he truly cared about his customers tremendously and I think every one of his customers will miss him dearly.”

Rob Penner, executive vice-president and COO of Bison Transport, is among those who call Lampert a personal friend.

“Mark is a highly respected member of the trucking industry,” he said, when reached for comment. “He has always been a strong and loyal promoter of the Daimler/Freightliner family of products and services and he has always represented them with class and professionalism. Mark is a man of his word and in our dealings with him he always backed up his word with actions. He has helped to develop and instill confidence in Freightliner as a product as well as in his team and we appreciate all that he has brought to our business partnership.”

Penner also lauded Lampert’s involvement in the industry, referring to him as “a huge supporter of our industry” and “very active at our association level.”

“We will definitely miss what he has brought in terms of leadership and support at these functions, not to mention just having him around to share a laugh or a good golf story,” Penner said, adding simply “Big shoes to fill.”

Brad Thiessen, vice-president and general manager of Freightliner Canada, also weighed in.

“Mark Lampert is the epitomy of what truck sales should be about,” Thiessen said. “He loves selling trucks, he is fiercely competitive as well as proud of the products we represent and he believes our customer relationships and their success are vital to who we are as a company. Mark always led by example and he will truly be missed by his team, our dealers and this industry.”

DTNA’s Daum said he’s confident Howard will prove to be a worthy successor.

“Richard’s oversight of Daimler Truck Financial USA through the last economic downturn forged strong ties with Daimler Trucks North America’s customers and dealer network,” said Daum. “His decisive leadership, his personal style, and his depth of experience across the entire Daimler organization exemplify the skills and values required for exceptional leadership.”

“I am excited by this opportunity to lead the Daimler Trucks North America sales and marketing group. We have an outstanding team and I applaud Mark Lampert’s performance pacing the industry in each and every vehicle segment,” added Howard. “I look forward to furthering the expectations of each and every customer through our industry-leading products and customer support.”

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